Robert H. Deschaine

Born May 29, 1937, to the late Harry and Rachel (Bebo) Deschaine in Menominee, he graduated from Marinette High School in 1956 and enlisted in the Army Reserve for 9 years. On Oct. 17, 1959, he married the former Kathleen Kathy LaCombe at Sacred Heart Church. He worked at Giddings and Lewis for 38 years, retiring in 1999.

A member of Holy Family Parish, he was active in the church, helping with carnivals and bingo. He was also a member of ABC Bowling Association and started his bowling career as a youth setting pins. In 1962 he was the first area player to score 815 making him the 13th highest bowler in the nation and was then inducted in the Bowlers Hall of Fame. He spent seven weeks on TV bowling and was known as the Big Boomer. He enjoyed horseshoes, fast pitch softball and going to his grandchildrens events to cheer them on. He also began both the Little League program in Marinette and Marinette Catholic Central girls softball.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathy; sons, Robert (Chris Desotell) Deschaine and Nicholas (Mattie Schieffer) Deschaine, both of Marinette; a daughter, Lynnette (Richard) Ahrens, of Peshtigo; a brother, Ron (Maryann) Deschaine, of Peshtigo; a sister-in-law, Sue (Chet) Closson, of Marinette; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three nephews and a niece.

Friends may call at Thielen Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 23 from 4 p.m. until time of a wake service at 7 p.m. with Deacon Jerome Thetreau officiating. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24 at Holy Family Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Taylor Street.